OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD. The official website of Old Cottonians Association of Bishop Cotton School Simla India.

Tag Archives: Lefroy

I have a mail from K S Dugal, who is currently in the US, that Mr B R Roberts passed away yesterday, Thursday, April, 12, 2018.

I have just received another message with the obituary notice which is sent as an attachment to this mail.

There are many memories of this warm and affectionate teacher. He was House Master, Lefroy and he meant a lot to so many of us. I will write more and in detail as more and more memories pour in. Right now the shock of his passing away is hard to bear. Leaves you empty.

I am trying to find more details since I am sure some of you would like to contact his family.

I am forwarding, as attachments to this mail, two photographs forwarded to me by Baldev Hundal. His comments are indicated at the bottom of this mail. Boring table tennis!!

I had requested Baldev to identify the faces in the Lefroy House photograph. His efforts have enabled me to piece a little more in putting the correct name to some of the faces. Some guys are easily recognisable but, others after more than 50 years, remain a blur. These pictures always evoke wonderful memories and the saddest part is to note the name of a dear friend who is no longer alive. It breaks my heart but gives me pleasure to remember that he also walked this earth with me!!

My listing is pretty accurate but I open to correction. Naturally. I cannot seem to spot Sukhinder Singh!!

[update:

Sukhinder Singh is seated in the front row. Fifth from the left. I just spotted him. Unmistakable smile! Cheers Vijay]

Would those whose memories have not faded, please assist in filling in the gaps as well. My thanks.

Hartej Singh Sekhon’s father was the I G of Police until 1966-67 when I had the need to visit his father in Chandigarh for a favour. That was the last time I saw Hartej as I entered his well appointed large house with a sprawling lawn. He joined the air force and passed away in a flying accident. Went away very early. Sad.

The amusing story about him relates to his doing exceptionally well in a Hindi half yearly examination way beyond potential and capacity. With his propensity for resourcefulness Hartej had obtained the question paper from the peon in the school office. When Mr Tiwari, the Hindi teacher walked into the class with the answer sheets a few weeks later he handed Hartej his paper with the question, “What does your father do? “

Hartej responded, “He is in the police, Sir”

“Well, in that case the first crook he will ever catch will be you!!” exclaimed Mr Tiwari.

Hartej turned a crimson red. Laughter in the class !!

I think I have narrated this story before but it all becomes so much more vivid when you see a photograph of the principal player in an amusing incident.

Baldev, my thanks again.

Finally a request. Can some one please help me with the details about the lives of Billy Gill and Milo. We do need to honour and remember their achievements. My thanks.

Warmly,

Vijay

From: Baldev Singh

To: Vijay Khurana

Sent: Monday, March 20, 2017 1:04 AM

Subject: Re: Lefroy House 1954 and a table tennis game in progress circa 1954.

I think you have got Devinder Singh’s name wrong. All the Patiala brothers had their name ending with “a”. There was Yatindra Singh (Yati), Rivaz, Harindra Singh, (Harry), Ibetsson, Umindra Singh, and of course Devindra Singh. I used to bump into Umindra Singh, in Patiala.

Please feel free to address me by my first name. I am more comfortable with people I know of 50 years standing.

Can you name the people, or at least some of them from the Lefroy picture? Would appreciate that to the extent possible.

Cheers

Vijay

On 19 March 2017 at 12:33, Baldev Singh wrote:

Dear Mr. Khurana,

I found these photographs which might be of interest to some OCs.

The group photograph is from 1954 of Lefroy House, and the photo of the table tennis match which we were obliged to watch much to my boredom, is of an interhouse match between Ibettson and Rivaz, I think.

Best wishes,

B. HundalLefroy House 1954 and a table tennis game in progress circa 1954